As an advocate for mental health, I can full-heartedly say that Taylor Swift’s music has offered me an outlet to express the confusing emotions I was experiencing about self-esteem, boys, or even just overwhelming happiness. Swift has provided members of all genders and orientations an outlet to express their true selves, which is something I’ve always admired. In light of the Eras tour coming on screen, I wanted to share some of the songs Swift has written that have resonated with me the most.Â
You Belong with Me
“She wears high heels, I wear sneakers”Â
To be transparent, there have been instances where I’ve had feelings for someone and it hasn’t been reciprocated. Not to hate on those people, but that feeling is absolutely awful and lonely. That feeling had me constantly overthinking there was someone better than me in all aspects. I’d just scream this song repeatedly and loudly again and again as if they somehow could hear me, that they belonged with me. Alas, life is life, rejection is real and it does suck. At the end of the day, I’m grateful for those experiences because they put me on a self-love journey I would’ve never gone on if it weren’t for them so, thank you.Â
Back to December
“You gave me love, and all I gave you was goodbye”Â
Whenever I listen to this song, it serves as a dedication to those I don’t talk to anymore, those who’ve loved me more than I loved them, and especially those who’ve endured my bad attitude. There are always moments in life when we’ve made irreversible mistakes with a friend, parent, brother, sister, dog, teacher and the list goes on. I often find myself revisiting those moments, constantly reflecting on what I could have done differently. This song always helps me transport myself to that moment. A prevalent example of this is all those screaming matches I had with my sisters and, especially, my mother as a pre-teenager. I frequently revisit those memories and wish I could take back some of the hurtful words I said, and replace them with thank you.Â
You’re On Your Own, Kid
“You always have been”Â
This song is pure innocence. I always reflect on my middle school days whenever I hear this song. I think about trying to have the same opinions as my friends and forcing myself not to like that guy because he was considered “weird.” This song just makes me want to yell at my 12-year-old self, “Stop stressing about stupid people, enjoy your life.” I was obsessed with what other people thought about me when all I should have been doing was being a kid. If this song had been around back then, I hope it would have opened my eyes as much as it does today.
The Way I Loved You
“It’s a roller coaster kinda rush”Â
Ever had a crush so insane that every time you were with them there was just constant screaming in your head? This song is exactly that feeling. I’m in the phase of my life where crushes and relationships are absent, and if I ever feel like experiencing that feeling again, I just play this song. Swift is just impeccable at explaining the feeling in your heart when meeting that “special” someone for the first time. Having a crush on someone is an electrifying journey and once it’s gone, life just gets boring. Life is stressful and this song takes me back to a more exciting time, which is a great mindscape every now and then.Â
Overall, it’s evident that Swift’s music possesses a unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in listeners. Her songs have become a channel for me to process and express all my complicated emotions. She has a way of getting to your heart when all she’s doing is sharing her experiences. Like some, I unfortunately did not have the pleasure of seeing her live, but I’m so sure that those who have can say it was a therapeutic experience. Her music serves as a soundtrack to people’s lives, helping them navigate the complexities of emotions and relationships. So to conclude, she is a queen.